Public Mediation

My Claim vs. Sapphire Resorts

V. G. vs. Sapphire Resorts - Starpoint Resort Group
235 E. Warm Springs Rd., Suite 107, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89119-4253, United States
    • Status: In Negotiation
      This claim has posted for public comment and negotiation. It will remain posted until resolved to the claimant's satisfaction. Suggest a resolution to help these parties reach a settlement.
      (seeking public comment)
    • Claimant Seeks: View.
    • Claim #: 2211419
    • Amount Involved: 22,200.00
    • Filed On: Jun 16, 2016
    • Posted On: Jun 27, 2016
    • Complaint(s):
      • Bad business practices
      • Problem with a service
      • Problem with a product
  • Review this case.
  • Propose your solution.
  • Win the reward (1,000)
Statement of Claim
Claimant says:
"Testimonial To Time Share Fraud
First I would like to share a little about me, I am a father of two and I work very hard for my money and my family. I have had a very Expensive mistake happen in Las Vegas NV with Sapphire resorts and I would like to share with you in hopes that you can save others like me.

July 14th 2015- First I was solicited of the street to listen to a presentation and get a Free dinner that turned out to be crap. They told me they were licensed and accredited to do this in the state of Nevada.

July 15th 2015 -Then they passed me from person to person until I arrived at a location called the Jockey Club located in the Cosmopolitan Casino. I started talking to a representative or sales man from the club at about 9 am in the morning and the Lies started.

Dwight Cnecelius, Lisa, and a very loud Irish man were the people I was talking to. I took a tour of the Jockey Club 3700 Las Vegas Blvd South Las Vegas, Nevada Rooms and was told that the two bed room full kitchen was available all year round. We walked around the facility and the salesman put on an elaborate show about how we could use the facility at our leisure during our stay there at the resort next time we came to town.

We watched a video and then we were talked to by the Irish man about numbers, investment opportunities about how we could sell our time share like his wife does every year in the LA Times online. After assuring me that we could do all of these things I declined and he lowered the cost just like that. He then made another investment and property guarantee about the resort and stay. They talked about my wife and I getting divorced if I didn’t purchase there because we would fight about not going on Vacation.

They talked about RCI group and Traveling the Globe For 5000 of my points per trip for 7 nights 8 days of accommodation. Only to find out later that’s the tip of the Iceberg of what you cannot do with your membership. I was told that I would have a onetime fee and then my wallet would be spared for traveling accommodations for life because I had prepaid my obligation. This was not true I found later I would be paying 1400 dollars every year just to hold on to the property that I was so called purchasing.

I was told that I could Rent or sell my time share to make a profit just like there wife does through paypal. I was told I could allow my family and friends use my time share any time without a charge I would just call member services and they would set everything up without a problem. I was told I could go to any resort at any time without paying a dime just to make a phone call. I wasn’t told about the maintenance fee until afterword and it was a lot of money.

I was also told that I would get benefits via Cash and points rewards for getting referrals. I was told the offer was only good today and I would lose out if I past this up. I was told that I could use my points to purchase airfare, cruises, car rentals and other amenities to ease my vacation experience. I was told they would manage my account and be available for questions, the email provided was fake and it was next to impossible to get them on the phone only for them to tell me to call some other place.

I was also told that I could write off my timeshare expenses on my taxes. I was told it was a resort presentation for shared property real estate ownership that I own nothing of. I was told that by inflation rates I would be saving money later on because the Value of my time share would only go up never down. They told me I could refinance my loan through my bank to get a lower interest rate if I chose to go that route. They also led me to believe that I could earn a living selling my resort under a rental program with ease.

I was told there was no limit to my amenities with the points they were offering, turns out the 30,000 points is a minimum there. When I was ran through the documents they provided they didn’t tell me about the clause of rescinding the offer or obligation and I found out after my vacation. I was given Bonus points to use anytime I wanted but later found out that I would just have to pay more money to use them. They continued on and on about how I would no longer have to pay for vacation stays and if I didn’t use my points they would rollover only to find out that I have to pay more for that to happen.

The high pressure sales team of three was too much for me to handle while trying to enjoy my vacation time with my family. I almost forgot I was offered a trip to Hawaii which was later revoked no one can recall this in our agreement After all the lies ended and the pressure finally made me give in it was 2:00 A 90 min presentation turned into a 5 hour ordeal that was all lies.

If I had known all the details and had time to research wrong doings and lies they were presenting me and rushing me to sign, I would have never purchased and I will stop anyone about to make the same mistake as I did. I might have ruined a good opportunity for educational funds for my children thanks to this ruthless team of professional Thieves.

Recently 06 16 2016 I have received a letter after giving them a good reason to terminate my membership, and refund me most if not all of my money. Due to fraudulent sales tactics, false advertisement, the fact that it is impossible to use. I have learned that not only will they not refund my money or cancel this falsified contract under misrepresentation but instead they threatened me with a collection agency notice. Keep in mind that up to date I am in good standing with all fees even the one they lied to me about being one time.

So in light of what has happened to me and probably thousands more I would like you to post the fraudulent activity and inform the world of what is happening in the Sapphire resorts LLC business. I would Also like you to note the fraud being committed at the Jockey club in Las Vegas NV. Please help America save themselves from a multi-thousand dollar mistake that is pressured on them.
Thank you for your time and efforts.
"
Reply Have a similar problem?
  • 06-15-2015 — signed documents under false pretences
What Claimant Wants Hide
1. Damages: Lawyer Jul 02, 2016 $2,000.00
2. Refund: membership Jul 02, 2016 $18,750.00
3. Refund: unused fee Jul 02, 2016 $1,450.00
4. Other – Copy claim to regulators Jul 02, 2016 $14.99
5. Other – Pay for claim posting cost Jul 02, 2016 $7.99
6. Other – Physical delivery charges Jul 02, 2016 $2.99
Cash total : $22,225.97
  • 24
Do you agree with the claimant’s demands?  (If you are a party to this claim, click here.)
Pier Espina commented
Pier Espina (Comment):
"Is this still active. How do we go ablut joining this lawsuit. Sapohire resorts needs to pay us back!"
 (2 years ago)
Reply
Geneva Jackson-Peacock commented
Geneva Jackson-Peacock (Comment):
"I need to be involved in this lawsuit. I agree, we were lied about this timeshare."
 (3 years ago)
Reply
marcus hesselgrave commented
marcus hesselgrave (Comment):
"If there is a class action lawsuit against sapphire please let me know because it all sounds familiar, honestly me and my wife just keep making the payments and keep going on trips but it’s funny how every time we call to set up a trip, something has changed or isn’t what we thought and it’s just constant bs. I could go on for days but please, if there is actually a class action lawsuit now or in the future someone pleas email me at mr.hesselg4@icloud.com. Thanks"
 (3 years ago)
Reply
Ariane Valerio commented
Ariane Valerio (Comment):
"My husband and I want in this too if possible. We can't get ahold of anyone with Sapphire Resorts and we got scammed back in February 2020. Never heard from anyone, can't get in contact with anyone. We are done and fed up with this resort crap."
 (4 years ago)
Reply
irene baker-fowler commented
irene baker-fowler (Comment):
"Would like to be contacted, I also got scammed and would like to be apart of this claim against saaphire resorts can someone email me baker_irene2731@comcast.net"
 (4 years ago)
Reply
Leah Henry commented
Leah Henry (Comment):
"If still possible I'd like to be a part of this lawsuit."
 (5 years ago)
Reply
abdul khalique commented
abdul khalique (Comment):
"I want to be part of this lawsuit becuse they did same to me"
 (5 years ago)
Reply
Sammie s commented
Sammie s (Comment):
"How can I join this lawsuit? I have the similar situation"
 (4 years ago)
Reply
Dennis Flodeen commented
Dennis Flodeen (Comment):
"count me in they did the same to me lies what a joke they make it sound so good but you can stay were you want because 5000 points doesn't cover anything and i went back and talk to them again and they said you have to by more points i said no way i wish i never went there"
 (5 years ago)
Reply
steven osuna commented
steven osuna (Comment):
"Everything mention in the comments section matches exactly with what has gone on us in dealing with the multiple named company.-geo holiday, Starpoint resort group, and sapphire. Please, let’s get this going to prevent others from being scammed and/or victimized"
 (5 years ago)
Reply
elizabeth kraszewski commented
elizabeth kraszewski (Comment):
"How can I join the lawsuit?"
 (5 years ago)
Reply
mar blaser commented
mar blaser (Comment):
"I too am having a flaming hot time with Sapphire resorts. lets start with Customer Service. when you call in you have to know their business better than they do. Do you want the loan department. The maintenance department or do you want to book a trip, not using your points. I have found when I ask how do i cancel, the customer service reps hang up. Then i called back in 2x's to try and get a manager to review the last call i had. You know all calls are recorded for training purposes. Well, if they don't put notes on your account, calls are not recorded. It is February 2018, the last call record they had was Aug 2017. I have my phone records that show ive called in 8 times. Not one of those were recorded. specifically today when the black lady and what sounded like an old fat white guy hung up on me. I dont swear, I dont yell, i just ask the hard questions they wont answer. It is horrible I see the post about the Hawaiian Vacation. Its been 2.5 years and I have never been to Hawaii. I am bout to go to the meeting so I can provide everyone with the info they should really hear. I also have tried to book using my membership, but if its in a high volume location like Disney World, you cant use your membership, you have to use points. I recently visited Colorado using points. The resort was scary than the one in the Shining. I went in the off season and had to choose a week other than the one I wanted for my anniversary because of points issues. I still went, nice way to spend the week after my anniversary. The tax deduction, yep, i was sold on that too. I could claim this on my taxes. When I asked my accountant, she asked me what the non profit was or reason why. I felt dumb. i also tried to transfer and use my points when a Friend wanted to go on a vacation. They said it would be a business opportunity. This was an opportunity to waste 2 hours on the phone as the representative said that my points didnt cover my friend that I wanted to help with a vacation, it had to be in my name. The list goes on, but back to the biggest issue, you cant get a straight answer out of this company or the reps and most likely will get hung up on."
 (7 years ago)
Reply
mar blaser commented
mar blaser (Comment):
"I too am having a flaming hot time with Sapphire resorts. lets start with Customer Service. when you call in you have to know their business better than they do. Do you want the loan department. The maintenance department or do you want to book a trip, not using your points. I have found when I ask how do i cancel, the customer service reps hang up. Then i called back in 2x's to try and get a manager to review the last call i had. You know all calls are recorded for training purposes. Well, if they don't put notes on your account, calls are not recorded. It is February 2018, the last call record they had was Aug 2017. I have my phone records that show ive called in 8 times. Not one of those were recorded. specifically today when the black lady and what sounded like an old fat white guy hung up on me. I dont swear, I dont yell, i just ask the hard questions they wont answer. It is horrible I see the post about the Hawaiian Vacation. Its been 2.5 years and I have never been to Hawaii. I am bout to go to the meeting so I can provide everyone with the info they should really hear. I also have tried to book using my membership, but if its in a high volume location like Disney World, you cant use your membership, you have to use points. I recently visited Colorado using points. The resort was scary than the one in the Shining. I went in the off season and had to choose a week other than the one I wanted for my anniversary because of points issues. I still went, nice way to spend the week after my anniversary. The tax deduction, yep, i was sold on that too. I could claim this on my taxes. When I asked my accountant, she asked me what the non profit was or reason why. I felt dumb. i also tried to transfer and use my points when a Friend wanted to go on a vacation. They said it would be a business opportunity. This was an opportunity to waste 2 hours on the phone as the representative said that my points didnt cover my friend that I wanted to help with a vacation, it had to be in my name. The list goes on, but back to the biggest issue, you cant get a straight answer out of this company or the reps and most likely will get hung up on."
 (7 years ago)
Reply
Sam C commented
Sam C (Comment):
"Is anyone here interested in seeing if we can build a class action lawsuit against sapphire resorts? These people are scammers and have screwed my parents over with their lies. With a large enough group of claimants, we could put a ton of pressure on these guys. Let me know if you are interested."
 (7 years ago)
Reply
irene baker-fowler commented
irene baker-fowler (Comment):
"I’m interested please message me baker_irene2731@comcast.net"
 (4 years ago)
Reply
Sammie s commented
Sammie s (Comment):
"count me in"
 (4 years ago)
Reply
Jon Herron commented
Jon Herron (Comment):
"Count me in"
 (5 years ago)
Reply
Su Tau commented
Su Tau (Comment):
"Yes count me in"
 (6 years ago)
Reply
Arnel Babida commented
Arnel Babida (Comment):
"Good Morning - My wife and I was scammed as well and would like to know and interested in obtaining information on how to cancel our contract with Sapphire Resorts. As everyone has pointed out, dealing with the company is ridiculous and full of empty promises."
 (6 years ago)
Reply
Kristina Mariani commented
Kristina Mariani (Comment):
"These people have scammed over my husband and myself. They completely lied to us. We’ve had this Timeshare since 2016 and keep paying ridiculous amounts monthly and yearly for the maintenance fees and we’ve never been able to take one vacation because nothing is ever available. We were trying to book a trip to FL this past June and were literally told that they only had ONE room in the whole place we were looking at. How do you ONLY have ONE room when you scammed over thousands of people into this. Your points don’t roll over like they told you, their gray card that they won’t let me out of doesn’t do anything, and you have to pay a ridiculous amount off money if you do anything outside of the 30 day window they give you, which we were also never told!! Who books a vacation only 30 days out?!?!? I have been researching how to get out of this all day as I’m sick of paying for something that I can never use and will never be able to. If there is a class action lawsuit going, I would love to know how to be a part of it, or how to help. These people should not be allowed to do this. Please contact me at princis920@gmail.com"
 (6 years ago)
Reply
Sarah Morey commented
Sarah Morey (Comment):
"Yes, there is a multi-party lawsuit already going. Contact theabramsfirm.com"
 (7 years ago)
Reply

Respondent's Counteroffer


There has been no response to this claim from Sapphire Resorts - Starpoint Resort Group. This claim will remain posted until resolved
Refresh
  • Show:
  • Sort by:
  • 0
  • Contributed Solution: by Christine Richards-Goodwine On 12-16-2020
    I would like to come involve with obtaining a solution to this scam. I purchased a time share in 2019 and has not been able to utilize the time share due to no availability and outrageous booking cost. I will like to be a party to this Class action suit. I have video footage of with salesperson giving false information concerning contract fees and deliverables.
If you are a party to this claim, click here.
Is this a fair resolution?
  • -1
  • Contributed Solution: by Chris Swanson On 07-06-2019
    Very familiar stories. In our case, in 2016 we were suckered in. Despite stating we were not interested, they continued a more aggressive closer. This tactic was highly tactical. So, after looking at the paperwork and deciding, what the heck. I signed up for 20,000 points per year, which when used in combination with the 30-Day GetAway feature it sounded okay to me. Also, since I hate any interest rate in the double digit, I decided to pay all of the “Buy In” costs up front, this totaled $15,800. The interest rate option was 24% as I recall. That should of been one of my 30 or 40 red flags I experienced with this company that day. Fast forward to the latter part of the first year, horrible experience. From reservations, to figuring out exactly how much the annual maintenance fees were, to deciphering the rules on the 30-Day GetAway feature. The second and third years were fantastic! Call them up within 30 days prior to travel, subtract 5,000 points, $100 refundable security deposit, show up at the property, enjoy a week stay. Check out after 7 days, get the $100 security deposit returned. Drive or fly home, start planning the next vacation.We did that four times (total of 20,000 points) in 2017 and 2018, for a total of 8 stays between those two years. Then here comes the rub and the absolute most annoying and criminal low down POS business practice, crooks, and I will get a $10,000 retainer established later this 2019 year thing that happened. Early 2019 I called up seeing if there were any properties around Tahoe we could use to go skiing. We found one, and it was within the 30 days for the GetAway travel, I told the lady “lets book it!” She asked for my credit card to charge the $100 security deposit (normal procedure) and for the $399 booking fee (definitely NOT a normal procedure). I said what the heck is that all about. She said, didn’t you read your online documents stating Sapphire would start charging $399 per one week stay, in addition to your $1000 per year maintenance fees. I said so let me get this straight, three years ago I paid in good faith $15,800 bc I didn’t want your crappy ass 24% interest rate, and every year my maintenance fee is going up close to $100 now exceeding $1000 per year, and NOW after 3 years your going to starting charging me $400 per one week stay, so four weeks is going to be 400x4=1600 1000=2600 per year? Another way to look at it is it adds up to 250 400=$650 per one week stay. WTF!!! She was so snotty, rude, and sinful just like everyone at that company. Lord help their souls because I am praying they all go to HELL! Sign me up for any class action, mediation, whatever. I truly hope some of these people go to jail. Especially the silver tongue liar closer we finally dealt with named Diamond York. POS! All of them!
If you are a party to this claim, click here.
Is this a fair resolution?
  • 6
If you are a party to this claim, click here.
Is this a fair resolution?
  • 3
  • Contributed Solution: by Roxy Fifield On 01-17-2018
    I am so freaking irritated what a scam I have over 15,000 points and I still have not been able to book a vacation at all anywhere in almost 3 years I've had this. I was also told at the big sales pitch that we could sell this vacation package that turn out to be a lie also so now I am out approximately $8,000 plus yearly fees. I wish I knew how to get out of this I'm so frustrate!!!
If you are a party to this claim, click here.
Is this a fair resolution?
  • Question: by Estelle Bates — Online mediator
  • On: 10-26-2017
  • They screwed us over too. We called to complain  and they were no help. 5000 points get you nothing. They "told" us we would have a week of our choice in vegas and getaway vacations included . LIES LIES LIES. Totally worthless. I did just file a complaint with the Southern Nevada BBB. Does anybody else know what else to do???? Please help us
  • Comment: by John Tang Retiree
  • On: 09-10-2017
  • Thank yor all very much. My family went through ths same thing you guys did. We should keep posting our experiences until some kind of solution could get us out of this bad business.
  • 3
  • Contributed Solution: by Anita Howell On 08-19-2017
    I worked for this company for a short time. One of the most fraudulent places and the management staff encourages and turns a blind eye to the sales scams and corruption that goes on inside the jockey club. The 5000 point package sold Is a huge scam. I can help you understand what's happened to you. More...
If you are a party to this claim, click here.
Is this a fair resolution?
  • Question: by David Barrie — Online mediator
  • On: 07-13-2017
  • I would like to know how I can go about getting out from under this too.  We were pressured and lied to also.  Now we just want out.  What can we do?
  • 3
  • Contributed Solution: by Bob Mangione On 03-23-2017
    Claimant needs to discuss this with the IRS - why should he be able to write this off his taxes? May be a false inducement More...
If you are a party to this claim, click here.
Is this a fair resolution?
  • Comment: by Luis Sotelo — Online mediator
  • On: 03-02-2017
  • I am currently building my case for Sapphire Resorts to cancel my contract. I am mostly using the guidelines of the timeshareconsumernews channel on YouTube.

    You have a good presentation. Unfortunately, I can relate. I agreed to open a high interest loan with them based on the assurance that "it's tax deductible. You own it and your payments are like a mortgage."

    if you can, please keep me/this post updated. For better or worse, your situation if where I'll be in 9-12 months from now.

  • Comment: by Dan O — Online mediator
  • On: 02-23-2017
  • I am also a victim of this fraud. My family and I are in complete distraught over the lies, misrepresentation and financial burden Sapphire Resorts have caused us! 
  • Comment: by April Pollefeyt (211 points) — Pre Law Student
  • On: 06-28-2016
  • Have you attempted to contact the  Nevada Attorney General or the  Bureau of Consumer Protection?

    Prohibition of Deceitful Practices.

    Nevada legislation bans developers or salespeople of timeshares from any deceptive behavior or misleading verbiage to potential timeshare buyers or unjust acts in a timeshare transaction. The following acts, to name a few, comprise deceptive practices under this legislation:

    • Failure to divulge any facts or details regarding a timeshare or misrepresentation thereof.
    • Inclusion of any provision in a timeshare contract that professes to waive rights or benefits offered to buyers in the timeshare arrangement.
    • Acceptance or requirement of payments by a prospective buyer before the purchaser has actually been presented with a statement of public offering.
    • Misrepresentation of the period of time the timeshare property will be available to the timeshare buyer.
    • Misstating the specs of the timeshare unit including square footage, quality and amenities associated with the property.
    • Misrepresentation of the stipulations of exchange of usage rights to a timeshare of a specific location for those of another timeshare in a different location.
    • Failure to admit upfront that food, entertainment and other influencing factors offered to induce the sale of a timeshare are for marketing purposes.
    Perhaps you can send the info to these sources and maybe also copies to this company and notify them with your intent to report them and their business practices to the proper department that handles just this sort of thing. FYI always google reviews on any company like that or any company period to see what fellow consumers think of them.
Get fast access to our Resolver community, for...
  • help with a PeopleClaim or any other complaint
  • assistance with a purchase or contract
  • expert advice
Currently helping with this claim
Other PeopleClaim resolvers
Get Free alerts when claims post in your area.
Get Alert

Need help resolving a dispute? Learn more.

Public Mediation

The shortest path from your problem to its resolution.
1
Peer to Peer

Engage the other party and use powerful tools to negotiate the best resolution.

Free
If Unresolved
2
Community Resolution

Post your case online and get help from legal professionals, industry experts, consumers & advocates competing to find the best resolution to your claim.

$14.99 + optional reward for best resolution
Full refund if not resolved to your satisfaction
If Unresolved
3
Private Mediation

Lets you mediate your case privately with the help of our professional mediators and industry experts.

Free to claimant. Mediator fees negotiable.
If Unresolved
4
Engage a Professional

Find the best community-reviewed professionals near you to resolve your issue in private online mediation or traditional court/mediation.

Resolution

A wonderful serenity has taken possession of my entire soul, like these sweet mornings of spring which I enjoy with my whole heart.

I am (not) alone, and I feel the charm of existence in this spot, which was created for the bliss of souls like mine...~ Goethe

Get a public verdict — create an online trial $50 public trial / $50 reward for successful resolution
Important: All information contained herein is the opinion of the posting parties, who are solely responsible for its content. PeopleClaim offers both free and paid services to help consumers, patients, employee, tenants, and others resolve disputes without lawyers or courts, through negotiated online settlement and public disclosure of wrongdoing or unfair treatment.
Claims against parties operating under bankruptcy protection, by law must be processed solely through the appropriate US bankruptcy court. Any claims against this party currently posted on PeopleClaim are available for purposes of public business review only and are not an attempt to collect money or recover assets subject to protections under the United States Bankruptcy Code.
*IMPORTANT: PeopleClaim is a public dispute resolution system, independent of the BBB, small claims court, or other dispute resolution services. PeopleClaim is not a law firm and does not provide legal services, opinions, or advice. PeopleClaim facilitates peer-to-peer negotiation and resolution and crowdsourced input on issues of fairness to help resolve complaints. Users should contact professional legal counsel on any matters of law or regulation regarding their claims. PeopleClaim does not review or evaluate the merits of claims submitted through its site, and users are solely responsible for all content filed in their claims.
© reserved by PeopleClaim